sense_n the_o come_v of_o christ_n because_o he_o do_v not_o come_v in_o person_n as_o he_o will_v do_v at_o the_o last_o day_n but_o in_o some_o sense_n it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v because_o he_o appear_v by_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n to_o do_v the_o same_o work_n in_o part_n which_o will_v with_o incomparable_o great_a perfection_n be_v do_v at_o the_o last_o i._n e._n to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o to_o save_v his_o own_o people_n for_o the_o incorrigibleness_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o their_o incurable_a hatred_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o obstinate_a persecution_n of_o it_o be_v dreadful_o punish_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o christian_n have_v not_o only_o all_o escape_v out_o of_o it_o before_o the_o roman_a army_n come_v against_o it_o but_o by_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o they_o gain_v also_o a_o very_a considerable_a rest_n from_o persecution_n for_o some_o time_n after_o and_o now_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o wonderful_a providence_n be_v call_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o that_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n he_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o have_v all_o power_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v he_o that_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n such_o remarkable_a revolution_n as_o that_o be_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o save_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v call_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o such_o passage_n as_o that_o be_v be_v call_v his_o come_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n no_o less_o than_o if_o he_o have_v come_v in_o person_n to_o order_v they_o as_o he_o will_v do_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o order_v all_o thing_n then_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n though_o in_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o his_o come_n he_o will_v come_v but_o once_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o this_o improper_a sense_n of_o it_o his_o appeaance_n to_o destroy_v his_o enemy_n and_o to_o save_v his_o people_n that_o trust_v in_o he_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o come_v often_o before_o the_o end_n of_o world_n i._n e._n as_o often_o as_o his_o providence_n do_v signal_o and_o remarkable_o appear_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o 2_o thes_n 2.8_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o wicked_a one_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v consume_v he_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o destroy_v he_o with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o personal_a come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n the_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o his_o destruction_n shall_v be_v so_o remarkable_o the_o work_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n that_o all_o shall_v confess_v it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o worldly_a policy_n but_o no_o less_o the_o do_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o if_o himself_o have_v come_v in_o person_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o whenever_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n cover_v the_o earth_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n when_o those_o magnificent_a prediction_n be_v fulfil_v concern_v the_o universal_a prevalence_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n among_o man_n with_o which_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v plentiful_o furnish_v and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o last_o judgement_n then_o also_o be_v it_o true_a that_o the_o lord_n come_v i._n e._n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o providence_n to_o renew_v and_o reform_v a_o degenerate_a world_n that_o be_v run_v headlong_o into_o perdition_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v which_o i_o have_v show_v do_v principal_o signify_v that_o great_a and_o amaze_a revolution_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v by_o come_v in_o his_o own_o person_n at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n do_v also_o signify_v the_o remarkable_a work_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o punish_v some_o and_o save_v other_o even_o in_o this_o life_n now_o 2._o how_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o other_o clause_n will_v he_o find_v faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o question_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o he_o will_v not_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n or_o very_o little_a in_o comparison_n but_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v easy_o discern_v by_o the_o parable_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o that_o go_v before_o the_o design_n of_o both_o which_o be_v to_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o he_o will_v avenge_v they_o speedy_o that_o be_v to_o say_v god_n will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n take_v their_o cause_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o then_o say_v our_o saviour_n nevertheless_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n i._n e._n notwithstanding_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v the_o praver_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o interpose_v for_o they_o that_o depend_v upon_o he_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o these_o promise_v find_v upon_o the_o earth_n even_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v to_o fulfil_v they_o the_o great_a part_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o they_o and_o so_o will_v be_v surprise_v with_o that_o day_n without_o any_o preparation_n for_o it_o or_o expectation_n of_o it_o many_o will_v yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o throw_v off_o their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n will_v think_v to_o secure_v themselves_o by_o flattery_n and_o hypocrisy_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o wicked_a man_n other_o will_v despair_v of_o any_o better_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o very_o few_o will_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o to_o save_v they_o few_o will_v strengthen_v themselves_o in_o god_n by_o cry_v to_o he_o day_n and_o night_n and_o by_o put_v their_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o and_o this_o notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a and_o strong_a reason_n they_o have_v from_o his_o word_n so_o to_o do_v nevertheless_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n observe_v that_o immediate_o before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a fall_v away_o from_o christian_a piety_n and_o charity_n nay_o and_o the_o world_n shall_v begin_v once_o more_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o and_o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a but_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v thereby_o intimate_v that_o it_o will_v be_v some_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n to_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n thus_o also_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v plain_o mean_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n before_o which_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n satan_n be_v to_o be_v loose_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o to_o go_v out_o and_o to_o deceive_v the_o nation_n and_o to_o gather_v they_o together_o against_o the_o city_n of_o god._n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v remarkable_o true_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o world_n will_v be_v in_o a_o careless_a posture_n as_o it_o be_v before_o that_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o take_v they_o all_o away_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o the_o earth_n when_o god_n enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o the_o world_n for_o the_o violence_n and_o iniquity_n of_o man_n and_o assert_n the_o cause_n of_o innocence_n and_o righteousness_n against_o they_o for_o in_o
be_v christian_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o common_a scandal_n of_o the_o world_n that_o truth_n be_v so_o often_o insincere_o represent_v and_o false_a doctrine_n propound_v still_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o hold_v forth_o some_o necessary_a truth_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o gospel_n do_v not_o allow_v but_o command_v we_o to_o use_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n not_o to_o reject_v that_o which_o be_v good_a because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o require_v evil_a nor_o to_o admit_v error_n because_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o truth_n but_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 4._o all_o popular_a artifices_fw-la that_o be_v use_v to_o recommend_v either_o wicked_a error_n or_o practice_n be_v also_o great_a offence_n and_o lead_v many_o silly_a soul_n astray_o of_o which_o kind_n the_o most_o obvious_a be_v these_o a_o external_a show_n of_o strictness_n and_o piety_n without_o real_a virtue_n and_o godliness_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o first_o notable_a instance_n who_o place_v religion_n in_o abundance_n of_o nice_a observation_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o strict_a and_o devour_v people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n know_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n compare_v they_o to_o white_v sepulcher_n that_o within_o be_v full_a of_o dead_a go_v bone_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o this_o offence_n will_v be_v so_o powerful_a whenever_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o spirit_n to_o foretell_v it_o express_o 〈◊〉_d that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o another_o offence_n of_o this_o kind_n when_o be_v also_o express_o foretell_v be_v pretend_v the_o testimony_n of_o miracle_n for_o say_v our_o saviour_n himself_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a behold_v say_v he_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o matth._n 24.24_o 25._o and_o thus_o st._n paul_n foretell_v that_o when_o that_o wicked_a one_o shall_v be_v reveal_v his_o come_n shall_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n i_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o other_o popular_a device_n for_o the_o support_v of_o error_n and_o that_o be_v to_o denounce_v damnation_n peremptory_o against_o all_o gainsayer_n with_o which_o artifice_n the_o judaizer_n secure_v themselves_o against_o the_o gentile_a christian_n say_v except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v now_o although_o every_o man_n that_o have_v a_o tongue_n may_v if_o he_o please_v lay_v this_o weight_n upon_o his_o cause_n as_o to_o exclude_v all_o from_o salvation_n that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o the_o threaten_a be_v not_o worthy_a of_o a_o wise_a man_n thought_n till_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v examine_v yet_o it_o have_v two_o notable_a advantage_n that_o it_o be_v frame_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n more_o than_o upon_o their_o judgement_n and_o in_o most_o man_n their_o passion_n be_v strong_a than_o their_o reason_n and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o use_v as_o to_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v not_o uncharitableness_n but_o mere_a pity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o compel_v they_o to_o speak_v so_o harsh_a but_o so_o necessary_a a_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o observe_v how_o easy_a man_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v when_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v a_o positive_a sentence_n of_o damnation_n to_o work_v upon_o their_o fear_n and_o on_o the_o other_o a_o appearance_n of_o serious_a charity_n to_o win_v their_o affection_n for_o by_o this_o art_n man_n of_o contrary_a party_n have_v with_o strange_a success_n serve_v contrary_a opinion_n and_o practice_n i_o can_v if_o i_o be_v willing_a reckon_v all_o the_o offence_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o be_v popular_a and_o plausible_a way_n of_o deceive_v but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v such_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o only_o foretell_v in_o the_o general_n when_o he_o say_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o in_o particular_a also_o when_o he_o say_v beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheeps-clothing_n mat._n 7.15_o 5._o to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v what_o st._n paul_n observe_v 1_o tim._n 6.5_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n that_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v defend_v as_o a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v for_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v no_o such_o hard_a matter_n to_o perplex_v thing_n that_o be_v plain_a to_o find_v colour_n for_o deny_v thing_n that_o be_v evident_a to_o hide_v the_o weakness_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o argument_n to_o divert_v from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o person_n so_o artificial_o as_o if_o the_o cause_n go_v on_o still_o to_o lose_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n to_o make_v truth_n look_v like_o error_n and_o error_n like_o truth_n to_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v if_o a_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o bend_v all_o his_o wit_n this_o way_n for_o something_o may_v be_v say_v for_o any_o thing_n 6._o and_o last_o bad_a example_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v another_o most_o dangerous_a offence_n since_o i_o doubt_v most_o man_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o take_v up_o their_o opinion_n more_o easy_o from_o authority_n than_o from_o other_o argument_n and_o they_o understand_v more_o easy_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a manner_n than_o between_o strong_a and_o weak_a reason_n and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a fruit_n of_o practice_n it_o bring_v forth_o in_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o which_o doubtless_o our_o saviour_n intimate_v in_o those_o word_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o see_v your_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n be_v not_o only_o a_o scandal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o error_n confirm_v they_o in_o their_o wrong_a way_n but_o likewise_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n by_o encourage_v they_o to_o sin_n in_o like_a manner_n especial_o when_o evil_a example_n be_v set_v by_o those_o that_o be_v particular_o oblige_v to_o set_v none_o but_o good_a one_o who_o place_n or_o office_n wealth_n or_o quality_n make_v they_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o gives_z other_o any_o kind_n of_o dependence_n upon_o they_o and_o because_o of_o the_o pernicious_a influence_n of_o bad_a example_n we_o find_v st._n paul_n often_o call_v upon_o the_o christian_n with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v to_o fix_v their_o observation_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v good_a brethren_n say_v he_o be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o ensample_n for_o many_o walk_n of_o who_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n thus_o i_o have_v very_o brief_o consider_v the_o largeness_n of_o the_o subject_a show_v what_o offence_n be_v to_o come_v by_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o obvious_a offence_n which_o we_o know_v by_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o alas_o for_o the_o world_n by_o too_o sad_a experience_n and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v why_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n shall_v come_v that_o be_v why_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o these_o or_o such_o scandal_n as_o these_o will_v be_v give_v to_o the_o world._n and_o this_o inquiry_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v pursue_v upon_o this_o account_n if_o upon_o no_o other_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o offence_n come_v do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o defect_n or_o fault_n of_o the_o bless_a gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o harmless_a and_o dovelike_a temper_n of_o christianity_n the_o excellency_n of_o its_o design_n the_o richness_n of_o its_o promise_n the_o divinity_n of_o its_o rule_n and_o precept_n the_o comfort_n it_o
religion_n as_o machiavelli_n well_o observe_v be_v not_o calculate_v for_o the_o inspire_a of_o man_n with_o great_a design_n such_o i_o suppose_v as_o his_o caesar_n borgia_n aim_v at_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a too_o philosophical_a too_o innocent_a and_o charitable_a to_o raise_v a_o ambitious_a heat_n or_o to_o serve_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a in_o process_n of_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v help_v out_o by_o other_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n that_o will_v bring_v in_o the_o swell_n of_o worldly_a pride_n into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o african_a father_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o celestine_n call_v it_o and_o advance_v one_o part_n of_o it_o to_o the_o depress_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o true_a christianity_n serve_v no_o such_o design_n therefore_o be_v our_o saviour_n oppose_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n his_o doctrine_n do_v not_o tend_v at_o all_o that_o way_n viz._n to_o make_v jerusalem_n the_o mistress_n of_o the_o 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do_v that_o but_o very_o little_a in_o comparison_n and_o rather_o satisfy_v our_o reason_n but_o most_o people_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v affect_v with_o thing_n that_o touch_v their_o fancy_n than_o their_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o time_n their_o will_v grow_v very_o great_a excess_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o there_o do_v even_o in_o st._n augustine_n day_n who_o complain_v of_o it_o not_o a_o little_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o januarius_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v doubt_v but_o such_o excess_n will_v be_v accompany_v with_o false_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o please_v god_n for_o whereas_o the_o excellent_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o appoint_v so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o external_a observation_n leave_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o decency_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o church_n be_v this_o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o all_o pretence_n of_o place_v the_o weight_n of_o religion_n in_o 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this_o that_o they_o have_v a_o stately_a and_o mystical_a form_n of_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o may_v be_v less_o under_o a_o temptation_n of_o learning_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o who_o numerous_a and_o gaudy_a ceremony_n in_o their_o worship_n will_v have_v bewitch_v the_o jew_n ten_o time_n more_o than_o they_o do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o vie_v with_o they_o but_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n say_v that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n that_o be_v not_o good_a to_o be_v sure_a not_o the_o best_a in_o themselves_o but_o consider_v the_o time_n the_o best_a for_o they_o for_o when_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v all_o mankind_n to_o worship_n the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o to_o convert_v the_o nation_n from_o idolatry_n the_o scheme_n of_o the_o mosaic_a worship_n be_v take_v down_o and_o the_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o nothing_o but_o prayer_n and_o praise_n two_o sacrament_n and_o one_o mediator_n but_o by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n run_v counter_a to_o the_o fond_a and_o foolish_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o that_o offence_n be_v ready_a to_o come_v upon_o this_o account_n also_o so_o that_o consider_v the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o religion_n too_o good_a for_o a_o wicked_a world_n too_o wise_a for_o a_o vain_a and_o foolish_a world_n i_o mean_v it_o be_v too_o good_a and_o too_o wise_a to_o escape_v opposition_n and_o all_o change_n the_o world_n will_v either_o try_v to_o keep_v it_o out_o or_o when_o that_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v any_o long_o to_o square_v and_o form_v it_o better_o to_o its_o own_o purpose_n and_o inclination_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n viz._n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v exalt_v above_o a_o worldly_a spirit_n that_o a_o peculiar_a temper_n be_v require_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o order_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o his_o doctrine_n a_o spirit_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n of_o humility_n and_o teachableness_n love_v of_o the_o truth_n willingness_n to_o learn_v patience_n of_o reproof_n and_o the_o like_a without_o which_o disposition_n the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n will_v certain_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o argument_n and_o motive_n by_o which_o it_o be_v recommend_v and_o therefore_o since_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o over-rule_v they_o into_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v first_o of_o all_o great_o oppose_v as_o it_o be_v and_o afterward_o insincere_o handle_v as_o it_o have_v be_v and_o this_o although_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v peculiar_o furnish_v with_o mean_n to_o infuse_v a_o wise_a and_o honest_a disposition_n into_o they_o that_o want_v it_o for_o those_o mean_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o after_o all_o man_n may_v be_v the_o worse_o and_o not_o the_o better_a for_o they_o nothing_o can_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v more_o fit_a to_o awaken_v man_n to_o consideration_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o honesty_n and_o wisdom_n and_o to_o conquer_v all_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la than_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o warning_n of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v it_o be_v in_o this_o that_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o mend_v the_o temper_n of_o man_n consist_v but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n that_o can_v be_v do_v man_n may_v choose_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v and_o consider_v and_o it_o well_o become_v divine_a providence_n
ourselves_o sincere_o to_o desire_v it_o diligent_o to_o pursue_v it_o and_o likewise_o in_o all_o our_o action_n to_o live_v by_o rule_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v give_v ill_a example_n and_o we_o be_v the_o more_o oblige_v to_o this_o because_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n but_o of_o ourselves_o also_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o good_a or_o ill_n that_o other_o have_v receive_v by_o we_o let_v we_o consider_v my_o brethren_n how_o careful_a we_o shall_v be_v of_o our_o own_o action_n and_o those_o especial_o that_o lie_v open_a to_o other_o when_o if_o we_o do_v ill_a ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o our_o own_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n but_o very_o likely_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o who_o be_v either_o lead_v into_o some_o unlawful_a practice_n or_o confirm_v in_o it_o by_o our_o example_n which_o make_v such_o a_o increase_n of_o gild_n and_o be_v so_o great_a a_o 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the_o idol_n temple_n shall_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o which_o be_v weak_a be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n i._o e._n be_v embolden_v to_o commit_v idolatry_n 1_o cor._n 8._o so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a to_o be_v present_a at_o those_o sacrifice_n yet_o the_o example_n be_v scandalous_a st._n paul_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n and_o against_o christ_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o this_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o will_v grieve_v their_o weak_a conscience_n i._n e._n not_o as_o we_o use_v i_o doubt_v to_o understand_v that_o word_n grieve_v that_o it_o will_v trouble_v and_o difplease_v they_o but_o real_o hurt_v they_o by_o make_v they_o bold_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o idolatrous_a sacrifice_n and_o now_o brethren_n if_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v perhaps_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n lawful_a we_o ought_v to_o use_v caution_n lest_o by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o 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of_o other_o in_o short_a no_o word_n i_o can_v use_v can_v make_v such_o a_o impression_n upon_o you_o as_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n ought_v to_o make_v woe_n be_v to_o he_o by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o 2._o we_o must_v also_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o take_v offence_n not_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o sin_n and_o error_n by_o example_n or_o allurement_n by_o any_o kind_n of_o temptation_n whatsoever_o to_o justify_v which_o exhortation_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o observe_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v foretell_v that_o offence_n will_v come_v nay_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o they_o come_v nay_o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o most_o dangerous_a offence_n be_v particular_o foretell_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o brethren_n this_o very_a warning_n in_o general_a much_o more_o those_o particular_a warning_n be_v design_v to_o take_v away_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n the_o danger_n of_o those_o 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that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v such_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o as_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v likewise_o the_o eleven_o sermon_n gen._n xv._o 16._o but_o in_o the_o four_o generation_n they_o shall_v come_v hither_o again_o for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o amorites_n be_v not_o yet_o full_a abraham_n be_v now_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o time_n god_n have_v appear_v to_o he_o and_o promise_v he_o that_o his_o seed_n shall_v possess_v that_o land._n in_o which_o repetition_n of_o the_o promise_n there_o be_v this_o remarkable_a circumstance_n that_o god_n tell_v he_o how_o long_o it_o will_v be_v before_o they_o shall_v possess_v it_o and_o likewise_o mention_v one_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v possess_v it_o no_o soon_o it_o shall_v be_v four_o hundred_o year_n before_o his_o seed_n shall_v come_v hither_o and_o not_o soon_o because_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o amorites_n be_v not_o yet_o full_a 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their_o sin_n and_o a_o plain_a case_n it_o be_v that_o in_o this_o life_n where_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n grow_v together_o that_o by_o the_o same_o affliction_n god_n punish_v the_o sin_n of_o some_o while_o he_o manifest_v the_o sincerity_n of_o other_o and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o remain_v true_a that_o those_o who_o be_v punish_v be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v great_a sinner_n than_o all_o those_o that_o escape_n of_o which_o we_o need_v not_o desire_v any_o other_o proof_n than_o our_o saviour_n word_n for_o it_o but_o in_o some_o case_n we_o have_v very_o evident_a and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o for_o sometime_o god_n punish_v the_o sin_n of_o some_o man_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o that_o be_v worse_o than_o they_o who_o he_o reserve_v for_o far_o great_a punishment_n in_o life_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n do_v abundant_o testify_v now_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o must_v not_o be_v conclude_v of_o those_o that_o suffer_v 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deliver_v before_o the_o text_n viz_o of_o a_o unjust_a judge_n that_o neither_o fear_a god_n nor_o regard_v man_n who_o nevertheless_o upon_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o widow_n do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o her_o case_n much_o more_o shall_v god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n for_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o just_a god_n and_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o right_v those_o that_o do_v at_o any_o time_n suffer_v wrong_a 2._o he_o be_v also_o the_o merciful_a god_n that_o regard_v man_n and_o when_o we_o desire_v thing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v needful_a he_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o grant_v what_o we_o ask_v or_o at_o least_o that_o which_o be_v more_o needful_a than_o what_o we_o ask_v 3._o whereas_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o parable_n seem_v to_o contemn_v the_o poverty_n and_o meanness_n of_o that_o person_n that_o sue_v to_o he_o for_o justice_n for_o which_o reason_n she_o be_v represent_v here_o to_o be_v a_o widow_n one_o of_o a_o destitute_a 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depend_v chief_o upon_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o discharge_v the_o matter_n must_v be_v worthy_a of_o that_o obligation_n which_o a_o oath_n imply_v in_o promise_v it_o must_v not_o be_v unlawful_a that_o we_o may_v swear_v in_o righteousness_n it_o must_v not_o be_v impossible_a it_o must_v not_o be_v trivial_a and_o in_o affirm_v it_o must_v be_v some_o fact_n provable_a by_o our_o own_o testimony_n that_o we_o may_v swear_v in_o judgement_n all_o which_o imply_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o swear_v indeliberate_o passionate_o or_o common_o the_o discharge_v of_o a_o oath_n must_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o obligation_n which_o be_v to_o sincerity_n of_o intention_n fidelity_n of_o performance_n and_o the_o give_v
of_o testimony_n exact_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o then_o we_o swear_v in_o truth_n all_o which_o condition_n of_o use_v a_o oath_n religious_o be_v put_v together_o by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n c._n 4._o v._n 2._o and_o thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n in_o righteousness_n not_o profane_v a_o oath_n by_o make_v it_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n in_o judgement_n not_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n by_o use_v it_o rash_o and_o improper_o and_o in_o truth_n not_o violate_v the_o bond_n of_o a_o oath_n by_o break_v promise_n or_o give_v testimony_n to_o a_o falsehood_n swear_v in_o truth_n be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n press_v upon_o you_o omit_v the_o consideration_n of_o what_o thing_n a_o oath_n may_v be_v conversant_a about_o and_o that_o the_o rather_o because_o i_o shall_v apply_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o the_o former_a point_n 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in_o contribution_n to_o which_o good_a end_n i_o beg_v your_o patience_n while_o i_o endeavour_v to_o show_v first_o of_o all_o wherein_o lie_v the_o peculiar_a obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n second_o what_o be_v the_o several_a way_n of_o violate_v this_o obligation_n or_o incur_v the_o crime_n of_o perjury_n three_o what_o be_v the_o usual_a temptation_n and_o inducement_n thereunto_o last_o some_o of_o the_o fearful_a aggravation_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o sin_n that_o a_o oath_n induce_v the_o utmost_a obligation_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v confess_v by_o general_a practice_n which_o have_v make_v or_o rather_o receive_v it_o to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o controversy_n for_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v yet_o more_o deep_o than_o by_o swear_v sure_o the_o final_a resort_n will_v not_o be_v have_v to_o a_o oath_n if_o any_o thing_n can_v confirm_v a_o testimony_n more_o assure_o which_o be_v in_o our_o power_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o last_o confirmation_n therefore_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n imply_v a_o peculiar_a obligation_n to_o discharge_v it_o true_o for_o the_o great_a that_o trust_n be_v which_o i_o cause_v another_o to_o repose_v in_o i_o the_o great_a treachery_n i_o be_o guilty_a of_o if_o i_o then_o deceive_v he_o but_o if_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n oblige_v man_n not_o to_o swear_v false_o much_o more_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n may_v a_o oath_n be_v rest_v in_o as_o the_o high_a security_n that_o man_n can_v offer_v for_o their_o honesty_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o appeal_n to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o witness_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o falsehood_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o own_o testimony_n 1._o god_n be_v appeal_v to_o as_o a_o witness_n he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o knowledge_n the_o faithful_a and_o infallible_a witness_n of_o every_o thought_n and_o action_n he_o who_o testimony_n alone_o need_v not_o to_o be_v confirm_v by_o any_o other_o since_o for_o he_o only_o it_o be_v natural_o and_o eternal_o impossible_a to_o deceive_v or_o to_o be_v deceive_v i_o ought_v never_o to_o lie_v or_o dissemble_v or_o break_v my_o word_n because_o i_o know_v myself_o always_o to_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o aught_o to_o restrain_v i_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o falsehood_n at_o any_o time_n that_o i_o be_o within_o the_o sight_n and_o hear_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n but_o most_o of_o all_o be_o i_o bind_v to_o be_v sincere_a when_o i_o have_v appeal_v to_o he_o as_o present_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o what_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n to_o hear_v a_o lie_n tell_v to_o his_o face_n but_o if_o the_o liar_n shall_v call_v he_o to_o witness_v his_o falsehood_n this_o he_o will_v take_v in_o foul_a scorn_n and_o with_o great_a indignation_n and_o what_o a_o height_n of_o impudence_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o put_v the_o like_a affront_n upon_o god_n himself_o by_o appeal_n to_o his_o knowledge_n for_o our_o unrighteousness_n in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o we_o deal_v false_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o impute_v our_o own_o baseness_n and_o falsehood_n to_o his_o most_o holy_a majesty_n and_o to_o do_v what_o be_v in_o we_o to_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n like_a unto_o ourselves_o 2._o god_n be_v not_o only_o call_v upon_o as_o the_o witness_n of_o truth_n when_o we_o swear_v but_o also_o as_o the_o avenger_n of_o falsehood_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o add_v of_o this_o which_o make_v a_o appeal_n to_o god_n testimony_n by_o invocation_n a_o most_o forcible_a obligation_n to_o truth_n and_o the_o utmost_a security_n which_o we_o can_v offer_v for_o the_o same_o when_o we_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o man_n present_v who_o know_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o we_o affirm_v it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o wish_v that_o he_o be_v revenge_v of_o we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a because_o he_o may_v be_v call_v forth_o open_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n or_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o what_o we_o say_v where_o the_o witness_n be_v visible_a and_o the_o testimony_n credible_a it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o appeal_v to_o his_o knowledge_n only_o but_o when_o god_n be_v take_v to_o witness_v by_o we_o there_o be_v no_o voice_n or_o sensible_a appearance_n by_o which_o he_o do_v either_o confirm_v or_o disow_v the_o matter_n what_o be_v it_o then_o which_o make_v a_o appeal_n to_o god_n the_o silent_a and_o invisible_a witness_n to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o oblige_v ourselves_o and_o confirm_v other_o that_o we_o speak_v the_o truth_n what_o be_v it_o but_o this_o that_o we_o do_v appeal_v to_o his_o justice_n as_o well_o as_o his_o knowledge_n and_o call_v the_o vengeance_n of_o the_o almighty_a down_o upon_o our_o head_n if_o he_o discern_v any_o falsehood_n and_o deceit_n in_o our_o testimony_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o obligation_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o discharge_v a_o trust_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o this_o that_o if_o we_o be_v now_o guilty_a of_o lie_v or_o unfaithfulness_n we_o do_v not_o only_a consent_n but_o desire_v that_o the_o indignation_n and_o curse_n of_o god_n may_v fall_v upon_o we_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o invoke_v of_o divine_a vengeance_n if_o we_o swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n be_v only_o consequent_a upon_o swear_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o learned_a man_n but_o also_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o that_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o which_o if_o it_o be_v remove_v the_o fear_n of_o perjury_n